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Access Services (Mission and Policies)

Mission and Policies

Mission Statement and Philosophy

"To assist users by providing access to library materials through efficient, on-going bookstacks management and effective circulation procedures. To offer quality service in a pleasant helpful and timely manner."

In fulfilling our goal of providing first-class service to our patrons we are constantly balancing two opposing but inter-related concepts - Access and Control. We wish to provide equal and easy Access to all the information of which we are custodians. At the same time we need to exercise Control to ensure our materials are returned and available, not abused or stolen, - hence the need for policies, procedures and fines.

Circulation Policies and Procedures

Patron Verification

To borrow materials from the library, patrons must show a current picture ID.

WIU-affiliated patrons should use their WIU ID card to obtain library services. Non-affiliated patrons can apply for a borrower card ("SLC") free of charge. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost SLC cards.

Checkout Periods

The automated circulation system will check out items for 4 weeks, 8 weeks or 16 weeks, depending on the status of the patron. Faculty/Staff are given a 16-week checkout, Graduate Students 8 weeks, and all other patrons (including undergraduate students) 4 weeks. For the popular reading paperbacks collection, the checkout period is 4 weeks for all patrons.

Books may be returned to the outside bookdrops on Western Avenue, the bookdrops in the north lobby of the Main Library, or the counter of the Circulation Unit. Patrons who return books personally may ask for a receipt for their books.

Renewals

There are three ways available to renew books:

University Library policy allows a maximum of two renewals per item. After two renewals the book(s) must be returned to the library to avoid the possibility of sanction.

Overdues and Fines

All patrons with internet access receive a courtesy notice reminder 7 days before the book is due. At the time the first overdue notice is generated (one day after the due date) no fine will be assessed. A reminder email is sent to the patron indicating that the item is overdue and if not returned will be liable for a fine of $10.00. If the material is not returned, a second notice is generated (2 weeks from the date the book was due). If material still has not been returned and a third notice (4 weeks from the due date) is produced, a $10.00 non-refundable charge is assessed to the student's university account. A letter (6 weeks from the due date) imposes a $75.00 lost book charge. This will normally be waived when the book is returned.

The purpose of fines is simply to ensure that books are returned. Fines which are charged to student accounts are paid into the University's Income Fund and do not benefit the library directly. Questions concerning overdues and fines should be addressed to Peggy Roth in the Circulation Unit, office 211B, Malpass Library (309-298-2759) during regular office hours.

Patron Confidentiality

The principle of patron confidentiality is strictly adhered to in libraries. Patrons may be assured that what items they borrow is private information and will not normally be revealed to a third party. By the same token, we cannot give out information as to who has a particular item checked out to them.

Under the terms of the USA Patriot Act (October 2001), federal agents and other law enforcement agencies are empowered to make inquiries about patrons' use of the library. Library employees must co-operate fully with these investigations.

Holds, Saves and Recalls

Because of limitations in the automated circulation system currently in operation, we cannot save, hold or recall books for patrons. As Western is part of a state-wide library network, it is often quicker to request a needed book through Interlibrary Loan, than to wait for Western's copy to be returned.

Copier Refunds

If copiers on the second level of the library malfunction, circulation staff will endeavor to rectify the problem. If they are unable to do so, refunds will be given to patrons upon completion of a Vending Refund Slip. Please be aware that refunds can be given only up to a maximum of $1.00.

Faculty Access

To enhance teaching and research endeavors faculty are granted certain library privileges. For more information, see Library Circulation Services for Faculty.

Reserve

The purpose of the Reserve Collection is to provide special access to items needed for class assignments, or which may be in high demand. We offer faculty a traditional paper-based reserve option or access to the electronic reserve model ERes.

Items at the reserve desk are normally designated a 2-hour (in-house) check out period. Items with reserve status are listed in the online catalog. For electronic reserves, faculty submit their requests and the library creates individual course pages either by scanning articles or uploading links to full-text databases. We will provide copies of any materials to be found in the University Library's collection. Other items must be provided by the professor.

In addition, some items of general interest (e.g. the University Budget) are listed in a "special" binder at the reserve desk.

Faculty wishing to place items on Reserve should contact the Reserve Supervisor for a copy of the Reserve Policy and Reserve Materials Request Form. You may also print out this form online or submit the form electronically.

Media Scheduling

Faculty may pre-schedule DVDs, videos and other library media for showing in their classes. Simply complete a media reservation form. Audiovisual media available at the Main Circulation Desk may be searched in the WestCat catalog.

For general keyword searches, the Quick Limit Malpass Library--Audiovisual is a handy tool. This limit narrows your search to all audiovisual titles in the collection.

To browse through titles in the order they appear on the shelf:>

  1. At the initial Quick Search screen, choose a Call Number search.
  2. Type one of the following and click Search:
    1. For DVDs, type AVD
    2. For VHS cassettes, type AVV

ERes Info

What is it?

Who can participate?

How do I get started?

What are the advantages?

ERes Guidelines

Book Stacks Maintenance

The stacks maintenance unit is responsible for sorting and re-shelving all returning books, and searching missing book requests. It keeps the book stacks and surrounding areas in good order through routine pick-up and re-shelving . The unit is also responsible for ensuring that books on the shelves are maintained in call number order.

Circulation Unit Staff

For more information, contact:

Peggy Roth, Access Services Supervisor
Phone: 309-298-2759
E-mail: PA-Roth@wiu.edu